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Les Liaisons Dangereuses

“Les Liaisons Dangereuses” is a drama by Christopher Hampton based on the novel by Choderlos de Laclos written in 1782. It has also been described as an amoral story. The book was viewed as scandalous at the time of its initial publication.

It is the story of the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, two rivals (and ex-lovers) who use seduction as a weapon to socially control and exploit others. It depicts the decadence of the French aristocracy shortly before the French Revolution, thereby exposing the perversions of the so-called Ancien Régime.

Christopher Hampton’s 1985 adaptation, opened in London’s West End and in 1987 crossed over to Broadway with Alan Rickman originating the role of the Vicomte de Valmont, Lindsay Duncan as Marquise de Merteuil, and Juliet Stevenson as Madame de Tourvel.

The 1988 film adaptation by Stephen Frears starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer was nominated for multiple Academy Awards including Best Picture. Many other film adaptations were made and set in various locations and time frames.